National Accreditation Awarded to Riverside County Regional Parks and Open-Space District
RIVCOPARKS Becomes Only the Second County to Receive this Distinction in the State
Riverside, CA – Supervisor Kevin Jeffries (Park District Board Chairman) announced today that the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District (RivCoParks) has been granted national accreditation for standards of excellence in quality and efficiency through the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), the leading advocacy organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks, recreation and conservation.

RivCoParks became the 113th nationally accredited parks-and-recreation agency in the nation, out of the more than 3,000 state and local publicly funded agencies that are NRPA members. Each year, parks-and-recreation departments apply for CAPRA Accreditation, a multi-step process that includes an extensive pre-evaluation of the agency, a three-day visit from CAPRA reviewers, and an evaluation and formal report by the commission. Accreditation is based on an agency’s compliance with 144 standards of best industry practices. To achieve accreditation, an agency must comply with all 36 Fundamental Standards and at least 85 percent of the remaining 108 standards. Parks District General Manager Scott Bangle said that the District is “pleased to announce that the Department scored 100% by meeting every standard in all ten categories.”

Bangle attended the hearing of the Commission on Monday, October 6, 2013 to address questions and provide comments related to the process. After the hearing, Mr. Bangle praised Parks staff for being one of only three agencies in California to receive accreditation and only the second County in the State. Bangle emphasized that CAPRA accreditation reaffirms Riverside County’s continued pledge to bring quality programs, leisure activities, parks, trails, and recreational opportunities to County residents and visitors. “This is a proud moment for the District, the constituents we serve, and the County of Riverside,” he said.

Supervisor Jeffries was very pleased with the honor for RivCoParks: “Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District is responsible for maintaining a variety of first class facilities across Riverside County, and I am happy to see them receive this recognition for all their hard work.”

Brande Hune (Business Operations Chief) and Kyla Brown (Parks and Recreation Chief) accepted the National Accreditation Recognition Award for the County during the annual Best of the Best Reception on October 9, 2013 in Houston, TX.